Charter Chatter

In 2012, Tropical North Queensland will experience one of the world's great astronomical events - a total solar eclipse. On the morning of Wednesday 14 November 2012, the earth will be plunged into darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun. With the possibility of coastal cloud cover affecting visibility, it is believed the best place to view the eclipse will be on the Tablelands and out on the Great Barrier Reef.

Aurora Expeditions offers two new adventure cruises to remote communities on the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea on board the luxury ship Oceanic Discoverer in 2010. Village life along the Sepik remains virtually unchanged since European explorers made first contact in the 1800s. The local Sepik people are among the greatest primitive artists on Earth, and the skills of its craftsmen are legendary.

With summer on its way it time to upgrade your sailing skills and tell your friends that sailing is hot and taking off and they too should learn a new relaxing skill. It's now time to go online and find a sailing school near you. More details at BoatingOz.

Book a Fiji Island family adventure cruise with Captain Cook Cruises and receive a separate children's bunk cabin at no additional charge when booking for two or more children aged 3-15 years who are accompanied by adults. Book now and also save up to 25 percent off the brochure price for cruises until March 31st, 2010.

Ipipiri, a 46 metre catamaran, was recently launched in New Zealand's Bay of Islands where it will operate two day one night cruises. Each cruise will include full commentary on the history, environment, and some of the Bay of Islands most spectacular landmarks. From Kupe, the very first voyager and Maori to discover New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Northland brings together the unique culture and history of the original Maori and European settlers of New Zealand.

Tropic Sail in Townsville has acquired two new vessels, and another five are due to join their fleet of skipper yourself yachts, catamarans, and motor cruisers in the next six to twelve months. One of these vessels, a brand new Fusion 40 Sailing Catamaran 'Slinkycat', raced at Magnetic Island Race Week
2009 in early September in the Multihull Division.

Roaring 40s Wilderness Tours recently launched a three day exploration in kayaks in Tasmania's south west from November to April. The journey begins on a small aircraft, taking travellers on a 45 minute flight over rugged coastal terrain and mountain scenery before landing on the Bathurst Harbour airstrip. A three day wilderness kayaking experience is conducted by professional guides on the calmer waters of Bathurst Harbour and the Narrows, with relaxing lunch breaks and accommodation at the Forrest Lagoon Standing Camp.

Whitsunday Rent A Yacht has expanded its fleet of bareboats to increase the level of luxury couples, families, and groups can experience on their own sailing holiday. Two brand new designs, the Beneteau Lagoon 380 and a Highland 35ft motor cruiser, as well as more of the popular Beneteau Lagoon 420 and Perry 43 and two more Seawind 1160s have recently been added to the fleet. Renta Yacht.

The Sealegs amphibious craft is the newest way to explore Mission Beach's islands, beaches, and waterways without getting your feet wet. The rigid, inflatable power boat eliminates the need for boat ramps and jetties by lowering its wheels into the water and driving straight up onto the beach.
The boat can be hired for private charters for up to seven people from Calypso Adventures at Mission Beach, a two-hour drive south of Cairns.

P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun will be the first cruise ship to visit Christmas Island on December 23, bringing with it a year's worth of tourists in one hit. The Federal Government is investing $3.5 million to upgrade the mooring and passenger landing facilities for cruise ships. Passengers will have the chance to explore the new destination, located in the Indian Ocean about 640 kilometres northwest of Broome, independently or through organised tours.

Offered activities are likely to include scuba diving, nature walks, bird watching, snorkelling and witnessing the famous red crab migration. See the Cruise Weekly.

For the first time, Sydney Harbour's iconic islands will be open to explore, discover and share with an Island Hopper ferry ticket. Sydney Harbour Island Hopping on Saturdays and Sundays between 3-18 October will offer unique and exciting experiences for all ages on four islands, including fine food on historic Fort Denison, fantastic prehistoric and mythical creatures roaming among the picnickers on Shark Island, Aboriginal art and culture on Clark Island, and Sydney's naval history and beautiful gardens on Garden Island.

For a more laid-back day out, grab your mates for the Perfect Picnic on Clark Island on 25 October. Or the Rodd Island Tea Dances on 21 and 22 October will be perfect for lovers of the music and dances of the 20's, 30's and 40's. More details.

Photograph: Lagoon 420 courtesy of Whitsunday Rent A Yacht.